Good morning, New Orleans.

The New Orleans Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center announced Viola’s Heritage won the WIN Pitch Smart Retail Ready competition where it will soon sell its cornbread mix at Dutch’s Corner after 40 businesses competed; Phase 2 of the WIN series will prepare vendors for procurement opportunities starting in July.

IDEAinstitute’s Spring 2026 Pitch Night is scheduled for June 18 at House of Blues, where select startups will pitch their ventures live & a new Entrepreneur Marketplace will offer networking and business resources.

Louisiana rap legends Master P and Birdman will launch their first joint U.S. tour with guest Lil Boosie, with a Houston kickoff Friday and a New Orleans stop at Smoothie King Center on Sept.

12 — pre-sale tickets open Wednesday, June 17 with regular sales Friday, June 19.

New Orleans chef Serigne Mbaye of Dakar NOLA won the James Beard award for Best Chef in the South on Monday, June 15.

He is one of two local chefs recognized after blending West African and New Orleans flavors for 10 years.

Project leaders plan an Omni Hotel near the Convention Center across the street from the Sugar Mill in downtown.

The new hotel, with over 1,000 guest rooms and 100,000 sqft of meeting space — if approved by city council — is expected to boost tourism and the local economy.

Credit Human Federal Credit Union has partnered with Son of a Saint to deliver financial literacy sessions in New Orleans.

The initiative offered a budgeting session on June 3 and will feature credit building on July 1 and future planning on Aug. 5 to support guardians with practical money-management skills.

A Flood Watch is in effect for Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi until 7 a.m. Friday as a stalled front and tropical disturbance bring heavy rain+ New Orleans may see 2-5 inches while Northshore could receive 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts.

Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will launch a $101 million project next summer to restore 1,320 acres of marsh along the Rigolets, a key part of the New Orleans Land Bridge that shields over 1.5 million from storms (it will use sediment and crushed limestone to stabilize the shoreline).

A Tulane University study finds mangrove forests are rebounding worldwide; Louisiana restoration projects are set to benefit as black mangrove spreads north, offering natural coastal protection & carbon storage.

New Orleans officials urge residents to report any clogged storm drains to local services so maintenance teams can inspect them and help prevent flooding during heavy rain.

The Sewerage and Water Board says all three pumps at the Carrollton Underpass are running on a temporary pump as crews prepare for a multi-day rain event expected this week.

A contract to install larger pumps will start in August + finish by December.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans settlement trust is fully funded with over $300 million for survivor claims, yet court records show payment details remain uncertain.

A reviewer will finish scoring eligible claims by Aug. 17 and survivors will have 30 days to challenge their score.

A study by LSU Pennington Biomedical finds Americans with severe obesity receive fewer needed surgeries due to insurance limits despite rising obesity rates — affecting treatment for issues like joint pain and heart disease.

A 2024 Louisiana law to cover bariatric surgery remains unenforced.

LSU baseball player Steven Milam is set to return for the 2027 season as a senior with one more year of eligibility — he hit a .296 average with 11 homers and 49 RBI last season and has been a standout for three seasons.

André Bohren Performance

5-9 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Admission varies — Experience the versatility of one of New Orleans' finest musicians in a captivating live performance.

Free Summer Movie Series: Rhinestone

8-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Catch Stallone and Dolly Parton in a classic country comedy showdown.

Candlelight Concert featuring Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

9:00 p.m. — The Sazerac House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of live music in a stunning candlelit setting.

Key-Key Live Performance

9:00 p.m. — Casa Honduras Restaurant #1 — Ticketed event — Experience a lively performance by Key-Key in an inviting restaurant setting.

Father's Fest 2026

2-8 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Celebrate fatherhood with food, entertainment, and activities dedicated to dads making a difference.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant sounds of Charmaine Neville, blending R&B, Jazz, and world rhythms in an electrifying performance.

Ilana Glazer Live!

7-10 p.m. — Joy Theater — College discounts available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Ilana Glazer in the heart of New Orleans.

Dead Letter Office Concert

9-10:30 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets starting at $32.61 — Experience the energetic tribute to R.E.M. with hits and deep cuts alike.

Stooges Brass Band Concert

8 p.m. — Tipitina's — Free entry — Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Free Fridays Concert Series with an energetic performance from the Stooges Brass Band.

Kieko Komaki Duo Performance

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check website for entry details — Experience the fusion of classical training and New Orleans jazz from Keiko Komaki.